He informed that ZTBL has an extensive outreach through its country wide network of 353 branches and over 1300 MCOs contributing towards helping the small farmers even in the remote areas.
Zaka Ashraf appreciated the role of the US government and particularly USAID in assisting the development of the agriculture sector of the country.
The delegation was also briefed about the restructuring and revamping of the bank with particular reference on introducing new technologies and initiatives diversifying sectoral exposure and meeting the supply demand credit gap of over 430 billion.
The model of private public partnership and collaboration with international agencies was shared with the delegation.
The potential areas of cooperation between USAID and ZTBL were also discussed at length especially in view of the present situation in the agriculture sector caused by floods.
The delegation was also briefed on the initiatives like soil improvement, seed development, water conservation (Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation), horticulture, orchards development, tunnel farming, livestock development, which need to be taken on fast track basis to increase agriculture productivity.
The US Ambassador appreciated the commendable job carried out by ZTBL for transforming Pakistan’s agriculture and efforts made by ZTBL in taking a pro-active role towards agricultural development through introduction of new technologies.
She discussed the damages caused by current flood disaster in Pakistan and the possible role ZTBL can undertake to alleviate this situation.
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